Topical skin care formulations comprising jaboticaba and cashew fruit pulps and extracts thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compositions and corresponding methods of their use that include jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/381,677, filed Sep. 10, 2010. The contents of the referencedapplication are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to compositions that includejaboticaba and/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof. Thecompositions can be formulated as topical skin compositions, ediblecompositions, injectible compositions, oral compositions, hair carecompositions, etc.

B. Description of Related Art

Ageing, chronic exposure to adverse environmental factors, malnutrition,fatigue, etc., can change the visual appearance, physical properties, orphysiological functions of skin in ways that are considered visuallyundesirable. The most notable and obvious changes include thedevelopment of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, increasedsagging, loss of firmness, loss of color evenness or tone, coarsesurface texture, and mottled pigmentation. Less obvious, but measurablechanges which occur as skin ages or endures chronic environmental insultinclude a general reduction in cellular and tissue vitality, reductionin cell replication rates, reduced cutaneous blood flow, reducedmoisture content, accumulated errors in structure and function,alterations in the normal regulation of common biochemical pathways, anda reduction in the skin's ability to remodel and repair itself. Many ofthe alterations in appearance and function of the skin are caused bychanges in the outer epidermal layer of the skin, while others arecaused by changes in the lower dermis.

Previous attempts to improve the visual appearance of skin with knownskin active-ingredients have been shown to have various drawbacks suchas causing erythema (e.g., reddening of the skin).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an effective alternative to existing skintreatment compositions. The compositions of the present invention canhave a dual effect in both treating skin conditions while also reducingor preventing erythema that can be caused by the very composition beingapplied to skin. In this sense, the compositions of the presentinvention can treat skin without the various drawbacks seen in prior artcompositions.

In one non-limiting aspect of the invention, there is disclosed atopical skin care composition comprising an effective amount ofjaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof toincrease hyaluronic acid synthesis and inhibit COX-1 and TNF-α synthesisin skin during use; and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle. Thedermatologically acceptable carrier can include 25% to 35% by weight ofwater, at least 35% by weight of a silicone phase comprisingcyclopentasiloxane, polysilicone-11, PEG-10 dimethicone, anddimethicone, and 3% to 7% by weight of silica. The dermatologicallyacceptable carrier can further include 3% to 5% by weight of glycerin, 1to 3% by weight of pentylene glycol, and 1% to 3% by weight ofcaprylic/capric triglyceride. In another aspect, the dermatologicallyacceptable vehicle can include 60% to 70% by weight of water, 5% to 10%by weight of alcohol, 5% to 10% by weight of dipropylene glycol, 1% to5% by weight of methyl gluceth-20, 1% to 5% by weight of biosaccharidegum, 1% to 5% by weight of glyceryin and 1% to 5% by weight ofdimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer. One of the unique aspects ofthese two types of dermatologically acceptable carriers is that theysurprising have excellent tactile properties/are cosmetically elegant,are safe to use on skin, and provide an environment which allows for thejaboticaba and/or cashew fruit extracts to remain stable and effectivewhile also allowing for efficient distribution of said extracts to skinonce the composition is topically applied to said skin. It is for thisreason (efficient distribution) that minimal amounts of these extractsare needed in the composition to bring about the desired results (e.g.,as little as 0.01% by weight of each extract can be used, with a moredesirable range being between 0.01% to 1%, while a broader range canalso be used if desired such as 0.01% to 20%), 0.1% to 10% by weight, or0.5% to 5% by weight of jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp.The topical skin care composition can be a lotion, cream, serum, oremulsion. The jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp can bepowdered form when added to the composition. The composition in certainaspects does not include any other parts of the jaboticaba and/or cashewplants (e.g., nut, bark, leaf, etc.) or any other extracts thereof anddoes not include jaboticaba oil and/or cashew oil. The composition incertain aspects does not include hyaluronic acid, a carboxymethylcysteamine compound, and/or a rosehip extract. In addition thecompositions can be used in a method for treating a skin conditioncomprising topically applying to skin in need thereof said composition,wherein said composition increases hyaluronic acid synthesis andinhibits COX-1 and TNF-α synthesis in the skin. The composition can beapplied to a fine line or wrinkle or erythemic skin.

In addition to the above paragraph, there are also contemplated a widerange of various uses. For instance, in one non-limiting aspect of thepresent invention, there is disclosed a method of treating a skincondition comprising topically applying to skin in need thereof acomposition comprising jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp,or extracts thereof (e.g., aqueous extracts of the pulp, alcoholextracts of the pulp, oil extracts of the pulp, aqueous/alcohol extractsof the pulp, glycolic extracts of the pulp, etc.), wherein thecomposition increases hyaluronic acid synthesis and inhibits COX-1 andTNF-α synthesis in the skin. The composition can be applied to a widevariety of skin conditions that can be treated or prevented byincreasing hyaluronic acid synthesis, inhibiting or reducing COX-1activity, and/or inhibiting or reducing TNF-α activity in the skin. Inone aspect, the composition can be applied to a fine line or wrinkle,erythemic skin, or inflamed skin. The composition can also be used totreat or prevent other skin diseases and conditions that are disclosedthroughout this specification. In particular aspects, the compositioncan include 0.0001% to 20% by weight of jaboticaba fruit pulp and/orcashew fruit pulp, or extracts thereof. In other instances, thecompositions can include 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 6, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72,73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90,91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99%, or more (or any range or integertherein) of jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp, or extractsthereof. The composition can be formulated as a lotion, cream, gel,serum, emulsion, anhydrous product, or in powdered form. In particularembodiments, the jaboticaba fruit pulp and/r cashew fruit pulp orextracts thereof are dried or lyophilized. In certain instances, thecomposition does not include hyaluronic acid, does not include any otherplant materials or extracts thereof, does not include any other parts ofthe jaboticaba and cashew plants or any other extracts of the jaboticabaand cashew, does not include a carboxymethyl cysteamine compound, doesnot include a rosehip extract, does not include jaboticaba oil, does notinclude cashew oil, and/or does not include cashew nut or extractsthereof. The composition can further comprise a moisturizing agent, asilicone containing compound, a UV absorbing agent, a structuring agent,a viscosity modifying agent, an emulsifier or surfactant, a vitamin, amineral, and/or any other ingredients known to those having skill in theart and disclosed in this specification. Non-limiting examples of skinconditions include dry skin, flaky skin, chapped skin, pruritus, spiderveins, lentigo, age spots, senile purpura, keratosis, melasma, blotches,nodules, sun damaged skin, dermatitis (including, but not limited toseborrheic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopicdermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasisdermatitis), psoriasis, folliculitis, rosacea, acne, impetigo,erysipelas, erythrasma, eczema, sun burns, burned skin, open wounds,skin-inflammatory skin conditions, etc. In certain non-limiting aspects,the skin condition can be caused by exposure to UV light, age,irradiation, chronic sun exposure, environmental pollutants, airpollution, wind, cold, heat, chemicals, disease pathologies, smoking, orlack of nutrition. The skin can be facial skin or non-facial skin (e.g.,arms, legs, hands, chest, back, feet, etc.). The method can furthercomprise identifying a person in need of skin treatment. The person canbe a male or female. The age of the person can be at least 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 95, or more years old, or any range derivable therein.

In another embodiment there is disclosed a topical skin care compositioncomprising: an effective amount of jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashewfruit pulp or extracts thereof (e.g., aqueous extracts of the pulp,alcohol extracts of the pulp, oil extracts of the pulp, aqueous/alcoholextracts of the pulp, glycolic extracts of the pulp, etc.) to increasehyaluronic acid synthesis and inhibit COX-1 and TNF-α synthesis in skinduring use; and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle. The topical skincare composition can include 0.0001% to 20% by weight of jaboticabafruit pulp and/or 0.0001% to 20% by weight of cashew fruit pulp orextracts thereof. In other instances, the compositions can include0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42,43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60,61, 62, 63, 64, 6, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78,79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96,97, 98, or 99%, or more (or any range or integer therein) of jaboticabafruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp, or extracts thereof. Thecomposition can be formulated as a lotion, cream, gel, serum, emulsion,anhydrous product, or in powdered form. In particular embodiments, thejaboticaba fruit pulp and/r cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof aredried or lyophilized. In certain instances, the composition does notinclude hyaluronic acid, does not include any other plant materials orextracts thereof, does not include any other parts of the jaboticaba andcashew plants or any other extracts of the jaboticaba and cashew, doesnot include a carboxymethyl cysteamine compound, does not include arosehip extract, does not include jaboticaba oil, does not includecashew oil, and/or does not include cashew nut or extracts thereof. Thecomposition can further comprise a moisturizing agent, a siliconecontaining compound, a UV absorbing agent, a structuring agent, aviscosity modifying agent, an emulsifier or surfactant, a vitamin, amineral, and/or any other ingredients known to those having skill in theart and disclosed in this specification. In a particular instance, thecomposition can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 6, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86,87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99% by weight ofwater.

In one particular aspect there is disclosed a method of treating orpreventing a fine line or wrinkle comprising topically applying to skinin need thereof a composition comprising jaboticaba fruit pulp and/orcashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof (e.g., aqueous extracts of thepulp, alcohol extracts of the pulp, oil extracts of the pulp,aqueous/alcohol extracts of the pulp, glycolic extracts of the pulp,etc.), wherein topical application of said composition to a fine line orwrinkle treats said fine line or wrinkle.

In yet another embodiment there is disclosed a method of treating orpreventing erythemic skin or symptoms associated with erythemic skin(e.g., red skin, flushed skin, etc.) comprising topically applying toskin in need thereof a composition comprising jaboticaba fruit pulpand/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof (e.g., aqueous extracts ofthe pulp, alcohol extracts of the pulp, oil extracts of the pulp,aqueous/alcohol extracts of the pulp, glycolic extracts of the pulp,etc.), wherein topical application of said composition to erythemic skintreats said erythemic skin. Erythema can be caused by skin irritation,an inflammatory response, skin sunburn, electrical treatments of skin,skin burns, contact allergies, systemic allergies, skin toxicity,exercise, insect stings, bacterial infection, viral infection, fungalinfection, protozoa infection, massage, windburn, and other factors thatcan cause reddening or flushing of the skin etc. The compositionsdisclosed above and throughout this specification can be used. Thecompositions can also be used to reducing pain associated with erythema,sensitive skin, or inflamed skin, comprising topically applying toerythemic, sensitive, or inflamed skin a composition comprisingjaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof.

Also disclosed is a method of tightening or toning skin comprisingtopically applying to skin in need thereof a composition comprisingjaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof(e.g., aqueous extracts of the pulp, alcohol extracts of the pulp, oilextracts of the pulp, aqueous/alcohol extracts of the pulp, glycolicextracts of the pulp, etc.), wherein topical application of saidcomposition to skin tightens or tones said skin. The compositionsdisclosed above and throughout this specification can be used.

In even a further embodiment there is disclosed an ingestiblecomposition comprising jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp orextracts (e.g., aqueous extracts of the pulp, alcohol extracts of thepulp, oil extracts of the pulp, aqueous/alcohol extracts of the pulp,glycolic extracts of the pulp, etc.) thereof and an ingestibleacceptable vehicle. In certain aspects, the ingestible composition canbe a food-based product, a pill, a gel capsule, a powder, or aneutraceutical product.

An additional embodiment includes an injectible solution comprisingjaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof(e.g., aqueous extracts of the pulp, alcohol extracts of the pulp, oilextracts of the pulp, aqueous/alcohol extracts of the pulp, glycolicextracts of the pulp, etc.) and an injectibly acceptable solution.Injectibly acceptable solution includes a solution that can be safelyinjected into a human or animal.

One embodiment concerns a method of treating or preventing a diseasecomprising administering to a person in need thereof jaboticaba fruitpulp and/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof (e.g., aqueousextracts of the pulp, alcohol extracts of the pulp, oil extracts of thepulp, aqueous/alcohol extracts of the pulp, glycolic extracts of thepulp, etc.), wherein the disease is treated or prevented. Non-limitingexamples of diseases include AIDS, an autoimmune disease (e.g.,rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes—insulin-dependent andnon-independent, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Graves disease), acancer (e.g., malignant, benign, metastatic, or precancer), acardiovascular disease (e.g., heart disease, or coronary artery disease,stroke—ischemic and hemorrhagic, or rheumatic heart disease), diseasesof the nervous system, an infection by a pathogenic microorganism (e.g.,Athlete's Foot, Chickenpox, Common cold, Diarrheal diseases, Flu,Genital herpes, Malaria, Meningitis, Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Skindiseases, Strep throat, Tuberculosis, Urinary tract infections, Vaginalinfections, or Viral hepatitis), inflammation (e.g., allergy, orasthma), a prion disease (e.g., CJD, kuru, GSS, or FFI), or obesity.

A further embodiment includes a method of treating or preventing hairloss comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a compositioncomprising jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashew fruit pulp or extractsthereof (e.g., aqueous extracts of the pulp, alcohol extracts of thepulp, oil extracts of the pulp, aqueous/alcohol extracts of the pulp,glycolic extracts of the pulp, etc.). The composition can included apharmaceutically (whether topical, oral, injectible, etc.) ordermatologically acceptable vehicle, wherein administering to thepatient in need thereof prevents or treats hair loss. Preventing ortreating hair loss can include stimulating hair growth on the scalp, ineyebrows, in eyelashes, or on other regions of the body where hairgrowth is desired. The composition can take the form of an edible pillor gel cap or liquid or powder or foam or spray or aerosolized. Thecomposition can be topically applied, ingested, injected, etc.

In addition there is disclosed a composition comprising jaboticaba fruitpulp and/or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof (e.g., aqueousextracts of the pulp, alcohol extracts of the pulp, oil extracts of thepulp, aqueous/alcohol extracts of the pulp, glycolic extracts of thepulp, etc.). The compositions can be formulated into topical skin orhair care compositions. The compositions can be cosmetic compositions.The compositions can be edible compositions. The compositions can beinjectible compositions. The compositions can take the form of a pill,gel capsule, spray, foam, or be aerosolized. The compositions can beformulated as emulsions (e.g., oil-in-water, water-in-oil,silicone-in-water, water-in-silicone, water-in-oil-in-water,oil-in-water, oil-in-water-in-oil, oil-in-water-in-silicone, etc.),creams, lotions, solutions (e.g., aqueous or hydro-alcoholic solutions),anhydrous bases (e.g., lipstick or a powder), gels, ointments, milks,pastes, aerosols, solid forms, eye jellies, etc. The compositions canalso be formulated for topical skin application at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, or more times a day during use. In other aspects of the presentinvention, compositions can be storage stable or color stable, or both.It is also contemplated that the viscosity of the composition can beselected to achieve a desired result, e.g., depending on the type ofcomposition desired, the viscosity of such composition can be from about1 cps to well over 1 million cps or any range or integer derivabletherein (e.g., 2 cps, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000,4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 20000, 30000, 40000, 50000,60000, 70000, 80000, 90000, 100000, 200000, 300000, 400000, 500000,600000, 700000, 800000, 900000, 1000000 cps, etc., as measured on aBrookfield Viscometer using a TC spindle at 2.5 rpm at 25° C.). Thecompositions of the present invention can include any desired amount ofjaboticaba or cashew extract or both. The amount of the extracts canindividually or combined be from 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5,0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 6, 66, 67, 68, 69,70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99%, or more (or anyrange or integer therein), by weight or volume of the extract orcombination of extracts. The compositions in non-limiting aspects canhave a pH of about 6 to about 9. In other aspects, the pH can be 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14. The compositions can includea triglyceride. Non-limiting examples include small, medium, and largechain triglycerides. In certain aspects, the triglyceride is a mediumchain triglyceride (e.g., caprylic capric triglyceride). Thecompositions can also include preservatives. Non-limiting examples ofpreservatives include methylparaben, propylparaben, or a mixture ofmethylparaben and propylparaben. Compositions of the present inventioncan have UVA and UVB absorption properties. The compositions can have ansun protection factor (SPF) of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or more, or any integer orderivative therein. The compositions can be sunscreen lotions, sprays,or creams.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a topicalskin care composition that includes jaboticaba fruit pulp and/or cashewfruit pulp or extracts thereof (e.g., aqueous extracts of the pulp,alcohol extracts of the pulp, oil extracts of the pulp, aqueous/alcoholextracts of the pulp, glycolic extracts of the pulp, etc.) incombination with any one of, any combination of, or all of the followingadditional ingredients: water, a chelating agent, a moisturizing agent,a preservative, a thickening agent, a silicone containing compound, anessential oil, a structuring agent, a vitamin, a pharmaceuticalingredient, or an antioxidant, or any combination of such ingredients ormixtures of such ingredients. In certain aspects, the composition caninclude at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,or all of these additional ingredients identified in the previoussentence. Non-limiting examples of these additional ingredients areidentified throughout this specification and are incorporated into thissection by reference. The amounts of such ingredients can range from0.0001% to 99.9% by weight or volume of the composition, or any integeror range in between as disclosed in other sections of thisspecification, which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.

Also disclosed is a method of lightening skin or evening skin tonecomprising applying the compositions of the present invention to theskin. The method can further comprise identify a person in need oflightening skin or evening skin tone. The methods can further includeinhibiting melanogenesis in a skin cell, inhibiting tyrosinase ortyrosinase synthesis in a skin cell, or inhibiting melanin transport tokeratinocytes in a skin cell. The composition can act as an alphamelanin stimulatory hormone antagonist. The composition can even outpigmentation of the skin. In non-limiting aspect, lightening skin caninclude reducing the appearance of an age spot, a skin discoloration, afreckle, a sun spot, hyper-pigmented skin, etc., by topical applicationof the composition to the age spot, a skin discoloration, a freckle, asun spot, hyper-pigmented skin, etc.

Also disclosed is a method of treating hyperpigmentation comprisingapplying the compositions of the present invention to the skin. Themethod can also comprise identifying a person in need of treatinghyperpigmentation and applying the composition to a portion of the skinexhibiting hyperpigmentation. Additional methods contemplated by theinventors include methods for reducing the appearance of an age spot, askin discoloration, or a freckle, reducing or preventing the appearanceof fine lines or wrinkles in skin, or increasing the firmness of skin byapplying the compositions of the present invention to skin in need ofsuch treatment.

Kits that include the compositions of the present invention are alsocontemplated. In certain embodiments, the composition is comprised in acontainer. The container can be a bottle, dispenser, or package. Thecontainer can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition. Incertain aspects, the compositions is dispensed in a spray, dollop, orliquid. The container can include indicia on its surface. The indiciacan be a word, an abbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

Also contemplated is a product comprising a composition of the presentinvention. In non-limiting aspects, the product can be a cosmeticproduct. The cosmetic product can be those described in other sectionsof this specification or those known to a person of skill in the art.Non-limiting examples of products include a moisturizer, a cream, alotion, a skin softener, a foundation, a night cream, a lipstick, acleanser, a toner, a sunscreen, a mask, an anti-aging product, adeodorant, an antiperspirant, a perfume, a cologne, etc.

It is also contemplated that compositions of the present invention canbe included into food-based products (e.g., beverages, fortified water,energy drinks, nutritional drinks, solid foods, vitamins, supplements,etc.) and pharmaceutical products (e.g., pills, injectible solutions,drugs, etc.). “Supplements” can include vitamins, minerals, herbs orother botanicals, amino acids, enzymes and metabolites. Such supplementsare suitable for oral consumption and can be administered orally.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method or composition of theinvention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the inventioncan be used to achieve methods of the invention.

In one embodiment, the topical skin compositions of the currentinvention are pharmaceutically elegant. “Dermatologically” or“pharmaceutically elegant” describes a composition that has particulartactile properties which feel pleasant on the skin (e.g., compositionsthat are not too watery or greasy, compositions that have a silkytexture, compositions that are non-tacky or sticky, etc.).Dermatologically or pharmaceutically elegant can also relate to thecreaminess or lubricity properties of the composition or to the moistureretaining properties of the composition.

“Keratinous tissue” includes keratin-containing layers disposed as theoutermost protective covering of mammals and includes, but is notlimited to, skin, hair and nails.

“Topical application” means to apply or spread a composition onto thesurface of keratinous tissue. “Topical skin composition” includescompositions suitable for topical application on keratinous tissue. Suchcompositions are typically dermatologically-acceptable in that they donot have undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergicresponse, and the like, when applied to skin. Topical skin carecompositions of the present invention can have a selected viscosity toavoid significant dripping or pooling after application to skin.

The term “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limitingembodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%,more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or any variation of these terms,when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurabledecrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/orclaims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intendedresult.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.”

The words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise”and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and“has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and“include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the examples,while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by wayof illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The inventors discovered that a combination of jaboticaba fruit pulp andcashew fruit pulp can inhibit COX-1 and TNF-α activity in skin cellswhile also increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis in said cells. Asillustrated by Applicant's data in Example 1, this combinationsynergistically acts to inhibit TNF-α activity and increase hyaluronicacid synthesis while also providing a means to inhibit COX-1 activity.Further, particular dermatologically vehicles can be used to stabily andefficiently distribute the extracts to skin while also providing theuser with a pleasant feeling composition.

TNF-α or Tumor Necrosis Growth Factor Alpha is a pleiotrophicpro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by various cells includingadipocytes, activated monocytes, macrophages, B cells, T cells,fibroblasts, and primary human keratinocytes. It belongs to the TNFfamily of ligands and signals through two receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2.TNF-α plays a role in the induction of an inflammatory response in skinthat can be caused by internal or external factors (e.g., skinirritation caused by cosmetic compositions, rash, allergic reaction, sunburn, UV radiation, cuts, scrapes, lacerations, cleansers, psoriasis,wind burns, etc.). Inhibiting TNF-α production in skin can prevent orreduce a skin inflammatory response, which in turn can help reduce thesymptoms associated with erythemic skin, skin lesions, sensitive skin,inflamed skin, stress, etc.

COX-1 or Cyclooxygenase-1 is an enzyme that can help form biologicalmediators in cells (including skin cells) called prostanoids (e.g.,prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxane). Inhibition of COX-1 canreduce inflammation (such as in skin), which can help reduce thesymptoms associated with erythemic skin, skin lesions, sensitive skin,inflamed skin, stress, etc.

Hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan is a component of connective tissue. Itcan function to cushion and lubricate joints, eyes, skin, and heartvalves. Hyaluronan is also a major component of skin, where it isoftentimes involved in tissue repair. In addition to skin repair, thismolecule can also act as a skin moisturizer and hydrator, can smooth outfine lines and wrinkles, and can provide elasticity to skin. Withageing, the amount of hyaluronan produced in the skin decreases, whichresults in loss of skin moisture and hydration, loss of skin elasticity,loss of collagen production, and increased appearance or formation offine lines and wrinkles. By increasing production of hyaluronan in skin,the skin can maintain a youthful, soft, and smooth appearance, or cantransform aged skin to have a more youthful, soft, and smoothappearance. Either way, hyaluronan can act as a prophylactic agentagainst the appearance of skin aging or as a treatment to hydrate skin,moisturize skin, increase the skin's elasticity, and/or reduce theappearance of fine lines or wrinkles.

These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention aredescribed in further detail below.

A. Plants

Jaboticaba, also known as Myrciaria cauliflora or the Brazilian GrapeTree, is a fruit-bearing tree native to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.The fruit has a purplish black skin, with a white pulp. It can be eatenraw or be used to make jellies and plain juice or wine. The inventorsdiscovered that the pulp portion of Jaboticaba has the ability toinhibit both COX-1 and TNF-α in skin cells, while also increasing thesynthesis of hyaluronic acid in such cells.

The cashew, also known as Anacardium occidentale, is a tree in theflowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The plant is native tonortheastern Brazil. It is now widely grown in tropical climates for itscashew nut. In addition to the nut, the cashew also produces apear-shaped fruit that developes from the receptacle of the cashewflower. This fruit is oftentimes referred to as the “cashew fruit” or“cashew apple,” which ripens into a yellow and/or red structure about5-11 cm in length. The pulp of the cashew fruit is relatively juicy. Theinventors discovered that the cashew fruit pulp has the ability toinhibit TNF-α in skin cells, while also increasing the synthesis ofhyaluronic acid in such cells.

Both jaboticaba fruit and cashew fruit are commercially available fromLabCat, the International division of Laboratorio Catarinense (Brazil).Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to obtainjaboticaba and cashew fruit pulp by mechanical separating the pulp fromthe other parts of the plants, respectively.

In one non-limiting example, the pulp can be placed directly into acomposition of the present invention. Alternatively it can be furtherprocessed such as by forming a puree that is then processed to besubstantially free of impurities or undesired solids. The puree can thenbe poured into a shallow vessel and quickly exposed to low temperature,i.e., flash frozen, for example at −20° C. or lower, preferably under avacuum for removal of water content (lyophilization). The resultant pulpcan then be used in the compositions of the present invention.

In other aspects, the jaboticaba and cashew fruit pulps can be subjectedto aqueous, alcoholic, aqueous/alcoholic, or oil based extractiontechniques, or combinations thereof. Such extracts can then be used inthe compositions of the present invention. Extraction techniques such asthose mentioned are well-known to persons having ordinary skill in theart. For instance, such processes include maceration, infusion,percolation, digestion, decoction, hot continuous extraction,aqueous-alcoholic extract, counter current extract, microwave assistedextraction, ultrasound extraction, supercritical fluid extracts,phytonic extract (e.g., with hydro-fluoro-carbon solvents), etc.

B. Dermatologically Acceptable Vehicles

As noted in the summary of the invention section, some of the uniqueaspects of the disclosed dermatologically acceptable carriers is thatthey have excellent tactile properties/are cosmetically elegant, aresafe to use on skin, and provide an environment which allows for thejaboticaba and/or cashew fruit extracts to remain stable and effective.The carriers also allow for efficient distribution of said extracts toskin once the composition is topically applied to said skin. Thisefficient distribution allows for the use of minimal amounts of thejaboticaba and cashew pulp extracts to bring about the desiredskin-related benefits. In one embodiment, the carrier includes 25% to35% by weight of water, at least 35% by weight of a silicone phasecomprising cyclopentasiloxane, polysilicone-11, PEG-10 dimethicone,dimethicone, 3% to 7% by weight of silica, 3% to 5% by weight ofglycerin, 1 to 3% by weight of pentylene glycol, and 1% to 3% by weightof caprylic/capric triglyceride. In another aspect, the dermatologicallyacceptable carrier/vehicle can include 60% to 70% by weight of water, 5%to 10% by weight of alcohol, 5% to 10% by weight of dipropylene glycol,1% to 5% by weight of methyl gluceth-20, 1% to 5% by weight ofbiosaccharide gum, 1% to 5% by weight of glyceryin and 1% to 5% byweight of dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer.

C. Compositions of the Present Invention

1. Combination and Amounts of Ingredients

It is contemplated that the compositions of the present invention caninclude jaboticaba fruit pulp, cashew fruit pulp, or a combinationthereof or extracts thereof. The compositions can also includeadditional ingredients described throughout this specification. Theconcentrations of these pulps and/or additional ingredients can vary. Innon-limiting embodiments, for example, the compositions can include intheir final form, for example, at least about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%,0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.0010%, 0.0011%,0.0012%, 0.0013%, 0.0014%, 0.0015%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%, 0.0018%, 0.0019%,0.0020%, 0.0021%, 0.0022%, 0.0023%, 0.0024%, 0.0025%, 0.0026%, 0.0027%,0.0028%, 0.0029%, 0.0030%, 0.0031%, 0.0032%, 0.0033%, 0.0034%, 0.0035%,0.0036%, 0.0037%, 0.0038%, 0.0039%, 0.0040%, 0.0041%, 0.0042%, 0.0043%,0.0044%, 0.0045%, 0.0046%, 0.0047%, 0.0048%, 0.0049%, 0.0050%, 0.0051%,0.0052%, 0.0053%, 0.0054%, 0.0055%, 0.0056%, 0.0057%, 0.0058%, 0.0059%,0.0060%, 0.0061%, 0.0062%, 0.0063%, 0.0064%, 0.0065%, 0.0066%, 0.0067%,0.0068%, 0.0069%, 0.0070%, 0.0071%, 0.0072%, 0.0073%, 0.0074%, 0.0075%,0.0076%, 0.0077%, 0.0078%, 0.0079%, 0.0080%, 0.0081%, 0.0082%, 0.0083%,0.0084%, 0.0085%, 0.0086%, 0.0087%, 0.0088%, 0.0089%, 0.0090%, 0.0091%,0.0092%, 0.0093%, 0.0094%, 0.0095%, 0.0096%, 0.0097%, 0.0098%, 0.0099%,0.0100%, 0.0200%, 0.0250%, 0.0275%, 0.0300%, 0.0325%, 0.0350%, 0.0375%,0.0400%, 0.0425%, 0.0450%, 0.0475%, 0.0500%, 0.0525%, 0.0550%, 0.0575%,0.0600%, 0.0625%, 0.0650%, 0.0675%, 0.0700%, 0.0725%, 0.0750%, 0.0775%,0.0800%, 0.0825%, 0.0850%, 0.0875%, 0.0900%, 0.0925%, 0.0950%, 0.0975%,0.1000%, 0.1250%, 0.1500%, 0.1750%, 0.2000%, 0.2250%, 0.2500%, 0.2750%,0.3000%, 0.3250%, 0.3500%, 0.3750%, 0.4000%, 0.4250%, 0.4500%, 0.4750%,0.5000%, 0.5250%, 0.550%, 0.5750%, 0.6000%, 0.6250%, 0.6500%, 0.6750%,0.7000%, 0.7250%, 0.7500%, 0.7750%, 0.8000%, 0.8250%, 0.8500%, 0.8750%,0.9000%, 0.9250%, 0.9500%, 0.9750%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%,1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%,2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%,4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%,5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%, 6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%,6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%,7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%, 8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%,8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%, 9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%,10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%,24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% or more, or any range or integerderivable therein, of at least one of the plant extracts identified inthis specification or any combination thereof or additional ingredients.In non-limiting aspects, the percentage of such ingredients can becalculated by weight or volume of the total weight of the compositions.The concentrations can vary depending on the desired effect of thecompositions or on the product into which the compositions areincorporated.

2. Composition Vehicles

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated into alltypes of vehicles. Non-limiting examples of suitable vehicles includeemulsions (e.g., oil-in-water, water-in-oil, silicone-in-water,water-in-silicone, water-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water,oil-in-water-in-oil, oil-in-water-in-silicone, etc.), creams, lotions,solutions (both aqueous and hydro-alcoholic), anhydrous bases (such aslipsticks and powders), gels, ointments, pastes, milks, liquids,aerosols, solid forms, or eye jellies. Variations and other appropriatevehicles will be apparent to the skilled artisan and are appropriate foruse in the present invention. In certain aspects, the concentrations andcombinations of the ingredients can be selected in such a way that thecombinations are chemically compatible and do not form complexes whichprecipitate from the finished product.

It is also contemplated that the extracts and additional ingredientsidentified throughout this specification can be encapsulated fordelivery to a target area such as skin. Non-limiting examples ofencapsulation techniques include the use of liposomes, vesicles, and/ornanoparticles (e.g., biodegradable and non-biodegradable colloidalparticles comprising polymeric materials in which the ingredient istrapped, encapsulated, and/or absorbed—examples include nanospheres andnanocapsules) that can be used as delivery vehicles to deliver suchingredients to skin (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,398; U.S. Pat. No.6,203,802; U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,744; Kreuter 1988).

Also contemplated are pharmaceutically-acceptable orpharmacologically-acceptable compositions. The phrase“pharmaceutically-acceptable” or “pharmacologically-acceptable” includescompositions that do not produce an allergic or similar untowardreaction when administered to a human. Typically, such compositions areprepared either as topical compositions, liquid solutions orsuspensions, solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in,liquid prior to use can also be prepared. Routes of administration canvary with the location and nature of the condition to be treated, andinclude, e.g., topical, inhalation, intradermal, transdermal,parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, subcutaneous,percutaneous, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, intratumoral, perfusion,lavage, direct injection (e.g., an injectable solution), and oraladministration and formulation (e.g., tablets, capsules, etc.).

3. Products

The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated intoproducts. Non-limiting examples of products include cosmetic products,food-based products (e.g., fortified water, energy drinks, nutritionaldrinks, vitamins, supplements, solid foods), pharmaceutical products,etc. By way of example only, non-limiting cosmetic products includesunscreen products, sunless skin tanning products, hair products (e.g.,shampoos, conditioners, colorants, dyes, bleaches, straighteners, andpermanent wave products), fingernail products, moisturizing creams, skincreams and lotions, softeners, day lotions, gels, ointments,foundations, night creams, lipsticks and lip balms, cleansers, toners,masks, deodorants, antiperspirants, exfoliating compositions,shaving-related products (e.g., creams, “bracers” and aftershaves),pre-moistened wipes and washcloths, tanning lotions, bath products suchas oils, foot care products such as powders and sprays, skin colorantand make-up products such as foundations, blushes, rouges eye shadowsand lines, lip colors and mascaras, baby products (e.g., baby lotions,oils, shampoos, powders and wet wipes), and skin or facial peelproducts. Additionally, the cosmetic products can be formulated asleave-on or rinse-off products.

4. Additional Ingredients

Compositions of the present invention can include additionalingredients. Non-limiting examples of additional ingredients includecosmetic ingredients (both active and non-active) and pharmaceuticalingredients (both active and non-active).

a. Cosmetic Ingredients

The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook(2008), 12^(th) Edition, describes a wide variety of non-limitingcosmetic ingredients that can be used in the context of the presentinvention. Examples of these ingredient classes include: fragrances(artificial and natural), dyes and color ingredients (e.g., Blue 1, Blue1 Lake, Red 40, titanium dioxide, D&C blue no. 4, D&C green no. 5, D&Corange no. 4, D&C red no. 17, D&C red no. 33, D&C violet no. 2, D&Cyellow no. 10, and D&C yellow no. 11), adsorbents, emulsifiers,stabilizers, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including, e.g.,emollients, humectants, film formers, occlusive agents, and agents thataffect the natural moisturization mechanisms of the skin),water-repellants, UV absorbers (physical and chemical absorbers such asparaminobenzoic acid (“PABA”) and corresponding PABA derivatives,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.), essential oils, vitamins (e.g., A,B, C, D, E, and K), trace metals (e.g., zinc, calcium and selenium),anti-irritants (e.g., steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories),botanical extracts (e.g., aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber extract, ginkgobiloba, ginseng, and rosemary), anti-microbial agents, antioxidants(e.g., BHT and tocopherol), chelating agents (e.g., disodium EDTA andtetrasodium EDTA), preservatives (e.g., methylparaben andpropylparaben), pH adjusters (e.g., sodium hydroxide and citric acid),absorbents (e.g., aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, kaolin, corn starch,oat starch, cyclodextrin, talc, and zeolite), skin bleaching andlightening agents (e.g., hydroquinone and niacinamide lactate),humectants (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentyleneglycol, sorbitol, urea, and manitol), exfoliants (e.g.,alpha-hydroxyacids, and beta-hydroxyacids such as lactic acid, glycolicacid, and salicylic acid; and salts thereof) waterproofing agents (e.g.,magnesium/aluminum hydroxide stearate), skin conditioning agents (e.g.,aloe extracts, allantoin, bisabolol, ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronicacid, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate), thickening agents (e.g.,substances which that can increase the viscosity of a composition suchas carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers,polyacrylamide polymers, polysaccharides, and gums), and siliconecontaining compounds (e.g., silicone oils and polyorganosiloxanes). Thefollowing provides specific non-limiting examples of some of theadditional ingredients that can be used with the compositions of thepresent invention.

i. Sunscreen Agents

UV absorption agents that can be used in combination with thecompositions of the present invention include chemical and physicalsunblocks. Non-limiting examples of chemical sunblocks that can be usedinclude para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA esters (glyceryl PABA,amyldimethyl PABA and octyldimethyl PABA), butyl PABA, ethyl PABA, ethyldihydroxypropyl PABA, benzophenones (oxybenzone, sulisobenzone,benzophenone, and benzophenone-1 through 12), cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, octylmethoxy cinnamate,cinoxate, diisopropyl methyl cinnamate, DEA-methoxycinnamate, ethyldiisopropylcinnamate, glyceryl octanoate dimethoxycinnamate and ethylmethoxycinnamate), cinnamate esters, salicylates (homomethyl salicylate,benzyl salicylate, glycol salicylate, isopropylbenzyl salicylate, etc.),anthranilates, ethyl urocanate, homosalate, octisalate, dibenzoylmethanederivatives (e.g., avobenzone), octocrylene, octyl triazone, digalloytrioleate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, lawsone with dihydroxyacetone,ethylhexyl triazone, dioctyl butamido triazone, benzylidene malonatepolysiloxane, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, disodium phenyldibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexylbenzoate, bis diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl benzoate, bisbenzoxazoylphenyl ethylhexylimino triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane,methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, andbis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine,4-methylbenzylidenecamphor, and isopentyl 4-methoxycinnamate.Non-limiting examples of physical sunblocks include, kaolin, talc,petrolatum and metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).Compositions of the present invention can have UVA and UVB absorptionproperties. The compositions can have an sun protection factor (SPF) of2, 3, 4, 56, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 or more, or any integer or derivative therein.

ii. Moisturizing Agents

Non-limiting examples of moisturizing agents that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include amino acids, chondroitinsulfate, diglycerin, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, glycerolpolymers, glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, inositol, lactitol,maltitol, maltose, mannitol, natural moisturizing factor, PEG-15butanediol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, salts of pyrollidone carboxylic acid,potassium PCA, propylene glycol, sodium glucuronate, sodium PCA,sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, urea, and xylitol.

Other examples include acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohol,acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylates copolymer,alanine, algae extract, aloe barbadensis, aloe-barbadensis extract, aloebarbadensis gel, althea officinalis extract, aluminum starchoctenylsuccinate, aluminum stearate, apricot (prunus armeniaca) kerneloil, arginine, arginine aspartate, arnica montana extract, ascorbicacid, ascorbyl palmitate, aspartic acid, avocado (persea gratissima)oil, barium sulfate, barrier sphingolipids, butyl alcohol, beeswax,behenyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, BHT, birch (betula alba) bark extract,borage (borago officinalis) extract, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol,butcherbroom (ruscus aculeatus) extract, butylene glycol, calendulaofficinalis extract, calendula officinalis oil, candelilla (euphorbiacerifera) wax, canola oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cardamon(elettaria cardamomum) oil, carnauba (copernicia cerifera) wax,carrageenan (chondrus crispus), carrot (daucus carota sativa) oil,castor (ricinus communis) oil, ceramides, ceresin, ceteareth-5,ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, cetearyl octanoate, ceteth-20, ceteth-24,cetyl acetate, cetyl octanoate, cetyl palmitate, chamomile (anthemisnobilis) oil, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, cholesterylhydroxystearate, citric acid, clary (salvia sclarea) oil, cocoa(theobroma cacao) butter, coco-caprylate/caprate, coconut (cocosnucifera) oil, collagen, collagen amino acids, corn (zea mays) oil,fatty acids, decyl oleate, dextrin, diazolidinyl urea, dimethiconecopolyol, dimethiconol, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl succinate,dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate, DMDM hydantoin, DNA,erythritol, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl linoleate, eucalyptus globulus oil,evening primrose (oenothera biennis) oil, fatty acids, tructose,gelatin, geranium maculatum oil, glucosamine, glucose glutamate,glutamic acid, glycereth-26, glycerin, glycerol, glyceryl distearate,glyceryl hydroxystearate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl linoleate, glycerylmyristate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE,glycine, glycol stearate, glycol stearate SE, glycosaminoglycans, grape(vitis vinifera) seed oil, hazel (corylus americana) nut oil, hazel(corylus avellana) nut oil, hexylene glycol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hybrid safflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenated coco-glycerides, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenatedlanolin, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated palm glyceride,hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenatedtallow glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrolyzed collagen,hydrolyzed elastin, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, hydrolyzed keratin,hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxylated lanolin, hydroxyproline,imidazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, isocetyl stearate,isocetyl stearoyl stearate, isodecyl oleate, isopropyl isostearate,isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropylstearate, isostearamide DEA, isostearic acid, isostearyl lactate,isostearyl neopentanoate, jasmine (jasminum officinale) oil, jojoba(buxus chinensis) oil, kelp, kukui (aleurites moluccana) nut oil,lactamide MEA, laneth-16, laneth-10 acetate, lanolin, lanolin acid,lanolin alcohol, lanolin oil, lanolin wax, lavender (lavandulaangustifolia) oil, lecithin, lemon (citrus medica limonum) oil, linoleicacid, linolenic acid, macadamia ternifolia nut oil, magnesium stearate,magnesium sulfate, maltitol, matricaria (chamomilla recutita) oil,methyl glucose sesquistearate, methylsilanol PCA, microcrystalline wax,mineral oil, mink oil, mortierella oil, myristyl lactate, myristylmyristate, myristyl propionate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,octyldodecanol, octyldodecyl myristate, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate,octyl hydroxystearate, octyl palmitate, octyl salicylate, octylstearate, oleic acid, olive (olea europaea) oil, orange (citrusaurantium dulcis) oil, palm (elaeis guineensis) oil, palmitic acid,pantethine, panthenol, panthenyl ethyl ether, paraffin, PCA, peach(prunus persica) kernel oil, peanut (arachis hypogaea) oil, PEG-8 C12-18ester, PEG-15 cocamine, PEG-150 distearate, PEG-60 glyceryl isostearate,PEG-5 glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 glyceryl stearate, PEG-7 hydrogenatedcastor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castoroil, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, PEG40 sorbitan peroleate,PEG-5 soy sterol, PEG-10 soy sterol, PEG-2 stearate, PEG-8 stearate,PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG40 stearate, PEG-50 stearate,PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 stearate, pentadecalactone, peppermint (menthapiperita) oil, petrolatum, phospholipids, polyamino sugar condensate,polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, polyquaternium-24, polysorbate 20,polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85,potassium myristate, potassium palmitate, potassium sorbate, potassiumstearate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,propylene glycol dioctanoate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propyleneglycol laurate, propylene glycol stearate, propylene glycol stearate SE,PVP, pyridoxine dipalmitate, quaternium-15, quaternium-18 hectorite,quaternium-22, retinol, retinyl palmitate, rice (oryza sativa) bran oil,RNA, rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rose oil, safflower(carthamus tinctorius) oil, sage (salvia officinalis) oil, salicylicacid, sandalwood (santalum album) oil, serine, serum protein, sesame(sesamum indicum) oil, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), silk powder,sodium chondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodiumpalmitate, sodium PCA, sodium polyglutamate, sodium stearate, solublecollagen, sorbic acid, sorbitan laurate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitanpalmitate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitol, soybean(glycine soja) oil, sphingolipids, squalane, squalene, stearamideMEA-stearate, stearic acid, stearoxy dimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, stearyl glycyrrhetinate,stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, sunflower (helianthus annuus) seedoil, sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcis) oil, synthetic beeswax,tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tribehenin,tridecyl neopentanoate, tridecyl stearate, triethanolamine, tristearin,urea, vegetable oil, water, waxes, wheat (triticum vulgare) germ oil,and ylang ylang (cananga odorata) oil.

iii. Antioxidants

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include acetyl cysteine, ascorbicacid polypeptide, ascorbyl dipalmitate, ascorbyl methylsilanolpectinate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, BHA, BHT, t-butylhydroquinone, cysteine, cysteine HCl, diamylhydroquinone,di-t-butylhydroquinone, dicetyl thiodipropionate, dioleyl tocopherylmethylsilanol, disodium ascorbyl sulfate, distearyl thiodipropionate,ditridecyl thiodipropionate, dodecyl gallate, erythorbic acid, esters ofascorbic acid, ethyl ferulate, ferulic acid, gallic acid esters,hydroquinone, isooctyl thioglycolate, kojic acid, magnesium ascorbate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, methylsilanol ascorbate, natural botanicalanti-oxidants such as green tea or grape seed extracts,nordihydroguaiaretic acid, octyl gallate, phenylthioglycolic acid,potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, potassium sulfite, propylgallate, quinones, rosmarinic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite,sodium erythorbate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, superoxidedismutase, sodium thioglycolate, sorbityl furfural, thiodiglycol,thiodiglycolamide, thiodiglycolic acid, thioglycolic acid, thiolacticacid, thiosalicylic acid, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12,tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocopherol, tocophersolan, tocopherylacetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopheryl nicotinate, tocopherylsuccinate, and tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite.

iv. Structuring Agents

In other non-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present inventioncan include a structuring agent. Structuring agents, in certain aspects,assist in providing rheological characteristics to the composition tocontribute to the composition's stability. In other aspects, structuringagents can also function as an emulsifier or surfactant. Non-limitingexamples of structuring agents include stearic acid, palmitic acid,stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearic acid, palmiticacid, the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol having an averageof about 1 to about 21 ethylene oxide units, the polyethylene glycolether of cetyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 5 ethyleneoxide units, and mixtures thereof.

v. Emulsifiers

In some non-limiting aspects, the compositions can include one or moreemulsifiers. Emulsifiers can reduce the interfacial tension betweenphases and improve the formulation and stability of an emulsion. Theemulsifiers can be nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionicemulsifiers (See McCutcheon's (1986); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,011,681;4,421,769; 3,755,560). Non-limiting examples include esters of glycerin,esters of propylene glycol, fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol,fatty acid esters of polypropylene glycol, esters of sorbitol, esters ofsorbitan anhydrides, carboxylic acid copolymers, esters and ethers ofglucose, ethoxylated ethers, ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl phosphates,polyoxyethylene fatty ether phosphates, fatty acid amides, acyllactylates, soaps, TEA stearate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, polyethyleneglycol 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20), polyethylene glycol 5soya sterol, steareth-2, steareth-20, steareth-21, ceteareth-20, PPG-2methyl glucose ether distearate, ceteth-10, polysorbate 80, cetylphosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate, diethanolamine cetyl phosphate,polysorbate 60, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, and mixturesthereof.

vi. Silicone Containing Compounds

In non-limiting aspects, silicone containing compounds include anymember of a family of polymeric products whose molecular backbone ismade up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with side groupsattached to the silicon atoms. By varying the —Si—O-chain lengths, sidegroups, and crosslinking, silicones can be synthesized into a widevariety of materials. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel tosolids.

The silicone containing compounds that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include those described in this specification or thoseknown to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examplesinclude silicone oils (e.g., volatile and non-volatile oils), gels, andsolids. In preferred aspects, the silicon containing compounds includesa silicone oils such as a polyorganosiloxane. Non-limiting examples ofpolyorganosiloxanes include dimethicone, cyclomethicone,polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, or mixtures of these and other organosiloxanematerials in any given ratio in order to achieve the desired consistencyand application characteristics depending upon the intended application(e.g., to a particular area such as the skin, hair, or eyes). A“volatile silicone oil” includes a silicone oil have a low heat ofvaporization, i.e. normally less than about 50 cal per gram of siliconeoil. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicone oils include:cyclomethicones such as Dow Corning 344 Fluid, Dow Corning 345 Fluid,Dow Corning 244 Fluid, and Dow Corning 245 Fluid, Volatile Silicon 7207(Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.); low viscosity dimethicones, i.e.dimethicones having a viscosity of about 50 cst or less (e.g.,dimethicones such as Dow Corning 200-0.5 cst Fluid). The Dow CorningFluids are available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich.Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are described in the Third Edition of theCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (incorporated by reference) ascyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds and a mixture of fully methylatedlinear siloxane polymers end-blocked with trimethylsiloxy units,respectively. Other non-limiting volatile silicone oils that can be usedin the context of the present invention include those available fromGeneral Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y. and SWSSilicones Div. of Stauffer Chemical Co., Adrian, Mich.

vii. Essential Oils

Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, andother plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets betweenthe plant's cells, and can be extracted by several method known to thoseof skill in the art (e.g., steam distilled, enfleurage (i.e., extractionby using fat), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanical pressing).When these types of oils are exposed to air they tend to evaporate(i.e., a volatile oil). As a result, many essential oils are colorless,but with age they can oxidize and become darker. Essential oils areinsoluble in water and are soluble in alcohol, ether, fixed oils(vegetal), and other organic solvents. Typical physical characteristicsfound in essential oils include boiling points that vary from about 160°to 240° C. and densities ranging from about 0.759 to about 1.096.

Essential oils typically are named by the plant from which the oil isfound. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil are derived from rose orpeppermint plants, respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oilsthat can be used in the context of the present invention include sesameoil, macadamia nut oil, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sageoil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berriesoil, rose oil, anise oil, balsam oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, cedaroil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, clove oil, cypress oil,eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, geraniumoil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lavender oil,lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrhoil, neroli oil, orange oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepperoil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, rosemary oil, sandalwoodoil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, wintergreen oil, orylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those of skill in the art arealso contemplated as being useful within the context of the presentinvention.

viii. Thickening Agents

Thickening agents, including thickener or gelling agents, includesubstances that can increase the viscosity of a composition. Thickenersinclude those that can increase the viscosity of a composition withoutsubstantially modifying the efficacy of the active ingredient within thecomposition. Thickeners can also increase the stability of thecompositions of the present invention.

Non-limiting examples of additional thickening agents that can be usedin the context of the present invention include carboxylic acidpolymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers,polysaccharides, and gums. Examples of carboxylic acid polymers includecrosslinked compounds containing one or more monomers derived fromacrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts and esters of theseacrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, wherein thecrosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds andis derived from a polyhydric alcohol (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445;4,509,949; 2,798,053; CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary,Fourth edition, 1991, pp. 12 and 80). Examples of commercially availablecarboxylic acid polymers include carbomers, which are homopolymers ofacrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol(e.g., Carbopol™ 900 series from B. F. Goodrich).

Non-limiting examples of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers includecationic and nonionic polymers. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,100,660; 4,849,484; 4,835,206; 4,628,078; 4,599,379).

Non-limiting examples of polyacrylamide polymers (including nonionicpolyacrylamide polymers including substituted branched or unbranchedpolymers) include polyacrylamide, isoparaffin and laureth-7, multi-blockcopolymers of acrylamides and substituted acrylamides with acrylic acidsand substituted acrylic acids.

Non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include cellulose,carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionatecarboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulosesulfate, and mixtures thereof. Another example is an alkyl substitutedcellulose where the hydroxy groups of the cellulose polymer ishydroxyalkylated (preferably hydroxy ethylated or hydroxypropylated) toform a hydroxyalkylated cellulose which is then further modified with aC₁₀-C₃₀ straight chain or branched chain alkyl group through an etherlinkage. Typically these polymers are ethers of C₁₀-C₃₀ straight orbranched chain alcohols with hydroxyalkylcelluloses. Other usefulpolysaccharides include scleroglucans comprising a linear chain of (1-3)linked glucose units with a (1-6) linked glucose every three unit.

Non-limiting examples of gums that can be used with the presentinvention include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate,amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine,carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluroinic acid, hydratedsilica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp,locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan,propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboyxmethyl dextran,sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

b. Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Pharmaceutical ingredients are also contemplated as being useful withthe emulsion compositions of the present invention. Non-limitingexamples of pharmaceutical ingredients include anti-acne agents, agentsused to treat rosacea, analgesics, anesthetics, anorectals,antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents including non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals,antimicrobials, anti-cancer actives, scabicides, pediculicides,antineoplastics, antiperspirants, antipruritics, antipsoriatic agents,antiseborrheic agents, biologically active proteins and peptides, burntreatment agents, cauterizing agents, depigmenting agents, depilatories,diaper rash treatment agents, enzymes, hair growth stimulants, hairgrowth retardants including DFMO and its salts and analogs, hemostatics,kerotolytics, canker sore treatment agents, cold sore treatment agents,dental and periodontal treatment agents, photosensitizing actives, skinprotectant/barrier agents, steroids including hormones andcorticosteroids, sunburn treatment agents, sunscreens, transdermalactives, nasal actives, vaginal actives, wart treatment agents, woundtreatment agents, wound healing agents, etc.

D. Kits

Kits are also contemplated as being used in certain aspects of thepresent invention. For instance, a composition of the present inventioncan be included in a kit. A kit can include a container. Containers caninclude a bottle, a metal tube, a laminate tube, a plastic tube, adispenser, a pressurized container, a barrier container, a package, acompartment, a lipstick container, a compact container, cosmetic pansthat can hold cosmetic compositions, or other types of containers suchas injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which thedispersions or compositions or desired bottles, dispensers, or packagesare retained. The kit and/or container can include indicia on itssurface. The indicia, for example, can be a word, a phrase, anabbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

The containers can dispense a pre-determined amount of a composition. Inother embodiments, the container can be squeezed (e.g., metal, laminate,or plastic tube) to dispense a desired amount of the composition. Thecomposition can be dispensed as a spray, foam, an aerosol, a liquid, afluid, or a semi-solid. The containers can have spray, pump, or squeezemechanisms. A kit can also include instructions for using the kit and/orcompositions. Instructions can include an explanation of how to apply,use, and maintain the compositions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain non-limitingaspects of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill inthe art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which followrepresent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in thepractice of the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, inlight of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can bemade in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Example 1 Materials and Methods for Obtaining Fruit Pulp

Jaboticaba fruit pulp and cashew fruit pulp used for this experimentwere obtained from LabCat, the International division of LaboratorioCatarinense (Brazil). The fruit pulp for both extracts were prepared byobtaining the pulp and subjecting it to spray drying in the presence ofmaltodextrine. The dried product was subsequently homogenized with amixer and packaged for storage in powdered form.

Example 2 Data

Table I includes a summary of the data obtained concerning thejaboticaba fruit pulp and cashew fruit pulp described in Example 1.

TABLE 1 Hyaluronic Acid Extract COX-1 Assay TNF-α Assay Synthesis AssayCashew fruit pulp — −43.31%  89% Jaboticaba fruit pulp −23.08% −25.83%118%

The inventors discovered a synergy between these two pulps in that thecombination of both provides for COX-1 and TNF-α inhibition and alsoincreases hyaluronic acid synthesis. The benefit of inhibiting bothCOX-1 and TNF-α provides a dual or synergistic response in inhibiting aninflammatory response such as a skin inflammatory response.

The assays described in the following paragraphs were used to obtain thedata illustrated in Table 1. These assays can also be used to test fruitpulp of jaboticaba and/or cashew or extracts thereof or to testcompositions having such pulps or extracts, and the ability of suchpulps or extracts or composition to inhibit COX-1, TNF-α, and/orincrease hyaluronic acid synthesis.

COX-1 Assay:

An in vitro cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibition assay was used. COX is abifunctional enzyme exhibiting both cyclooxygenase and peroxidaseactivities. The cyclooxygenase activity converts arachidonic acid to ahydroperoxy endoperoxide (Prostaglandin G2; PGG2) and the peroxidasecomponent reduces the endoperoxide (Prostaglandin H2; PGH2) to thecorresponding alcohol, the precursor of prostaglandins, thromboxanes,and prostacyclins. This COX Inhibitor screening assay measures theperoxidase component of cyclooxygenases. The peroxidase activity isassayed colorimetrically by monitoring the appearance of oxidizedN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD). This inhibitorscreening assay includes COX-1 enzymes in order to screenisozyme-specific inhibitors. The Colormetric COX (ovine) Inhibitorscreening assay (#760111, Cayman Chemical), was used to analyze theeffects of test extracts on the activity of purified cyclooxygnaseenzyme-1 (COX-1). According to manufacturer instructions, purifiedenzyme, heme and test extracts were mixed in assay buffer and incubatedwith shaking for 15 min at room temperature. Following incubation,arachidonic acid and colorimetric substrate were added to initiate thereaction. Color progression was evaluated by colorimetric plate readingat 590 nm. The percent inhibition of COX-1 activity was calculatedcompared to non-treated controls to determine the ability of testextracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) Assay:

The anti-irritant capability of the extracts identified in Table 1 wereevaluated by measuring inhibition of TNF-α release by primary humankeratinocytes in response to stress. Primary human keratinocytes wereinduced to release TNF-α, a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a centralrole in inflammation, in the presence or absence of the extract. TNF-αsecretion was quantified using R&D Systems (Minneapolis, Minn. USA)TNF-α Enzyme-linked Immunosorbant Assay #DTA00C according tomanufacturer instructions. This sandwich immunoassay technique usedcolor development to quantify the amount of TNF-α present in thecellular supernatant. Color developed in proportion to the amount ofTNF-α and was detected at 450 nm using a microplate reader. Data werecalculated as % inhibition of the untreated controls. Negative valuesdemonstrated the ability of test ingredients to inhibit the productionof TNF-α compared to controls. Extracts that have the ability to inhibitTNF-α activity can reduce or prevent the deleterious effects caused bythe inflammatory pathway (e.g., reduce skin inflammation, treat orprevent inflammatory diseases, etc.).

Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis Assay:

The capability of the extracts identified in Table 1 to stimulatesynthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) was evaluated by measuring HA releaseby primary human epidermal fibroblasts. HA is an abundantglycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix in skin. HA plays animportant role in wound healing and moisturization. Primary humanepidermal fibroblasts were seeded into 96 well plates in DMEM with 10%fetal bovine serum and incubated at 37° C. and 10% CO2 for 24 hours.Upon reaching 50% confluence, cells were incubated 3 days in DMEM with0.15% fetal bovine serum. Cells were then treated with extracts in DMEMwith 10% fetal bovine serum and incubated at 37° C. and 10% CO2 for 24hours. HA secretion was quantified using R&D Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.USA) HA Enzyme-linked Immunosorbant Assay # DY3614 according tomanufacturer instructions. This sandwich immunoassay technique usedcolor development to quantify the amount of HA present in the cellularsupernatant. Color developed in proportion to the amount of HA and wasdetected at 450 nm using a microplate reader. Data were calculated as %of the untreated controls. Positive values demonstrated the ability oftest ingredients to stimulate the production of HA compared to controls.Extracts that have the ability to stimulate HA production can improveskin moisturization and firmness.

Example 3 Testing Vehicles

Tables 2 and 3 describe generic skin testing formulations in which askin active ingredient can be incorporated into to determine the typesof skin benefits that can be attributed to the skin active ingredient.These formulations are prepared in such a manner that any resulting skinbenefit from topical application of the formula to skin can be directlyattributed to the skin active ingredient being tested.

TABLE 2* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water 84.80Xanthum gum 0.1 M-paraben 0.15 P-paraben 0.1 Citric acid 0.1 Phase BCetyl alcohol 4.0 Glyceryl stearate + PEG 100 4.0 Octyl palmitate 4.0Dimethicone 1.0 Tocopheryl acetate 0.2 Phase C** Skin Active Ingredient2.0 TOTAL 100 *Procedure for making composition: Sprinkle Xanthum gum inwater and mix for 10 min. Subsequently, add all ingredients in phase Aand heat to 70-75° C. Add all items in phase B to separate beaker andheat to 70-75° C. Mix phases A and B at 70-75° C. Continue mixing andallow composition to cool to 30° C. Subsequently, add phase C ingredientwhile mixing. **The fruit pulps identified throughout this specificationcan be incorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The pulps can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the pulp (or combination ofpulps) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing or decreasingthe amount of water. For instance, jaboticaba fruit pulp or cashew fruitpulp or extracts thereof or a combination of both can be tested in theTable 2 formulation.

TABLE 3* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water 78.6M-paraben 0.2 P-paraben 0.1 Na2 EDTA 0.1 Shea butter 4.5 Petrolatum 4.5Glycerin 4.0 Propylene Glycol 2.0 Finsolve TN 2.0 Phase B Sepigel 3052.0 Phase C** Skin Active Ingredient 2.0 TOTAL 100 *Add ingredients inphase A to beaker and heat to 70-75° C. while mixing. Subsequently, addthe phase B ingredient with phase A and cool to 30° C. with mixing.Subsequently, add phase C ingredient while mixing. **The fruit pulpsidentified throughout this specification can be incorporated into thistesting formulation as the skin active ingredient. The pulps can beindividually used or combined in this testing vehicle. The concentrationranges of the pulp (or combination of pulps) can be modified as desiredor needed by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. For instance,jaboticaba fruit pulp or cashew fruit pulp or extracts thereof or acombination of both can be tested in the Table 2 formulation.

Example 4 Dermatologically Acceptable Vehicles

Tables 4 and 5 describe dermatologically acceptable vehicles thatprovide a stable environment for the jaboticaba and cashew pulpextracts, while also providing an efficient distribution of saidextracts to skin (data not shown).

As noted in the summary of the invention section, some of the uniqueaspects of the disclosed dermatologically acceptable carriers is thatthey have excellent tactile properties/are cosmetically elegant, aresafe to use on skin, and provide an environment which allows for thejaboticaba and/or cashew fruit extracts to remain stable and effective.The carriers also allow for efficient distribution of said extracts toskin once the composition is topically applied to said skin. Thisefficient distribution allows for the use of minimal amounts of thejaboticaba and cashew pulp extracts to bring about the desiredskin-related benefits.

TABLE 4* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water 25 to 35Phase B Cyclopentasiloxane 25 to 30 Polysilicone-11  5 to 10 Silica 3 to7 PEG-10 Dimethicone 2 to 5 Dimethicone 2 to 5 Pentylene Glycol 1 to 3Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 1 to 3 Extract(s)** 0.1 to 5   TOTAL*** 100*Standard mixing, heating, and cooling procedures can be used. Forinstance, one can mix phase A with B in the presence of heat. Extract(s)can be added and the composition can be cooled to room temperature(20-25° C.). **The fruit pulps can be added individually or incombination. ***Stable formulation having the desired skin efficacybenefits (see Table 1) was produced in line with the ranges provided inTable 4.

TABLE 5* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water 60 to 70Phase B Alcohol denat.  5 to 10 Dipropylene Glycol  5 to 10 MethylGluceth-20 2 to 5 Biosaccharide Gum-1 2 to 5 Glycerin 1 to 3Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone 1 to 3 Crosspolymer Extract(s)** 0.1 to5   TOTAL*** 100 *Standard mixing, heating, and cooling procedures canbe used. For instance, one can mix phase A with B in the presence ofheat. Extract(s) can be added and the composition can be cooled to roomtemperature (20-25° C.). **The fruit pulps can be added individually orin combination. ***Stable formulation having the desired skin efficacybenefits (see Table 1) was produced in line with the ranges provided inTable 5.

Example 5 Additional Assays that can be Used to Test Compositions

Compositions comprising jaboticaba fruit pulp and cashew fruit pulpidentified throughout the specification, or a combination of such pulps(including, for example, the pulps described in Example 1, the testingformulations identified in Tables 2-3, and the vehicles identified inTables 4-5), can be determined by methods known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. The following are non-limiting assays that can be usedin the context of the present invention. It should be recognized thatother testing procedures can be used, including, for example, objectiveand subjective procedures.

Erythema Assay:

An assay to measure the reduction of skin redness can be evaluated usinga Minolta Chromometer. Skin erythema may be induced by applying a 0.2%solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the forearm of a subject. The areais protected by an occlusive patch for 24 hrs. After 24 hrs, the patchis removed and the irritation-induced redness can be assessed using thea* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measures changes inskin color in the red region. Immediately after reading, the area istreated with a composition of the present invention. Repeat measurementsare taken at regular intervals to determine the formula's ability toreduce redness and irritation.

Skin Moisture/Hydration Assay:

Skin moisture/hydration benefits can be measured by using impedancemeasurements with the Nova Dermal Phase Meter. The impedance metermeasures changes in skin moisture content. The outer layer of the skinhas distinct electrical properties. When skin is dry it conductselectricity very poorly. As it becomes more hydrated increasingconductivity results. Consequently, changes in skin impedance (relatedto conductivity) can be used to assess changes in skin hydration. Theunit can be calibrated according to instrument instructions for eachtesting day. A notation of temperature and relative humidity can also bemade. Subjects can be evaluated as follows: prior to measurement theycan equilibrate in a room with defined humidity (e.g., 30-50%) andtemperature (e.g., 68-72° C.). Three separate impedance readings can betaken on each side of the face, recorded, and averaged. The T5 settingcan be used on the impedance meter which averages the impedance valuesof every five seconds application to the face. Changes can be reportedwith statistical variance and significance.

Skin Clarity and Reduction in Freckles and Age Spots Assay:

Skin clarity and the reduction in freckles and age spots can beevaluated using a Minolta Chromometer. Changes in skin color can beassessed to determine irritation potential due to product treatmentusing the a* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measureschanges in skin color in the red region. This is used to determinewhether a composition is inducing irritation. The measurements can bemade on each side of the face and averaged, as left and right facialvalues. Skin clarity can also be measured using the Minolta Meter. Themeasurement is a combination of the a*, b, and L values of the MinoltaMeter and is related to skin brightness, and correlates well with skinsmoothness and hydration. Skin reading is taken as above. In onenon-limiting aspect, skin clarity can be described as L/C where C ischroma and is defined as (a²+b²)^(1/2).

Skin Dryness, Surface Fine Lines, Skin Smoothness, and Skin Tone Assay:

Skin dryness, surface fine lines, skin smoothness, and skin tone can beevaluated with clinical grading techniques. For example, clinicalgrading of skin dryness can be determined by a five point standardKligman Scale: (0) skin is soft and moist; (1) skin appears normal withno visible dryness; (2) skin feels slightly dry to the touch with novisible flaking; (3) skin feels dry, tough, and has a whitish appearancewith some scaling; and (4) skin feels very dry, rough, and has a whitishappearance with scaling. Evaluations can be made independently by twoclinicians and averaged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Tone Assay:

Clinical grading of skin tone can be performed via a ten point analognumerical scale: (10) even skin of uniform, pinkish brown color. Nodark, erythremic, or scaly patches upon examination with a hand heldmagnifying lens. Microtexture of the skin very uniform upon touch; (7)even skin tone observed without magnification. No scaly areas, butslight discolorations either due to pigmentation or erythema. Nodiscolorations more than 1 cm in diameter; (4) both skin discolorationand uneven texture easily noticeable. Slight scaliness. Skin rough tothe touch in some areas; and (1) uneven skin coloration and texture.Numerous areas of scaliness and discoloration, either hypopigmented,erythremic or dark spots. Large areas of uneven color more than 1 cm indiameter. Evaluations were made independently by two clinicians andaveraged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Smoothness Assay:

Clinical grading of skin smoothness can be analyzed via a ten pointanalog numerical scale: (10) smooth, skin is moist and glistening, noresistance upon dragging finger across surface; (7) somewhat smooth,slight resistance; (4) rough, visibly altered, friction upon rubbing;and (1) rough, flaky, uneven surface. Evaluations were madeindependently by two clinicians and averaged.

Skin Smoothness and Wrinkle Reduction Assay with Methods Disclosed inPackman et al. (1978):

Skin smoothness and wrinkle reduction can also be assessed visually byusing the methods disclosed in Packman et al. (1978). For example, ateach subject visit, the depth, shallowness and the total number ofsuperficial facial lines (SFLs) of each subject can be carefully scoredand recorded. A numerical score was obtained by multiplying a numberfactor times a depth/width/length factor. Scores are obtained for theeye area and mouth area (left and right sides) and added together as thetotal wrinkle score.

Skin Firmness Assay with a Hargens Ballistometer:

Skin firmness can be measured using a Hargens ballistometer, a devicethat evaluates the elasticity and firmness of the skin by dropping asmall body onto the skin and recording its first two rebound peaks. Theballistometry is a small lightweight probe with a relatively blunt tip(4 square mm-contact area) was used. The probe penetrates slightly intothe skin and results in measurements that are dependent upon theproperties of the outer layers of the skin, including the stratumcorneum and outer epidermis and some of the dermal layers.

Skin Softness/Suppleness Assay with a Gas Bearing Electrodynamometer:

Skin softness/suppleness can be evaluated using the Gas BearingElectrodynamometer, an instrument that measures the stress/strainproperties of the skin. The viscoelastic properties of skin correlatewith skin moisturization. Measurements can be obtained on thepredetermined site on the cheek area by attaching the probe to the skinsurface with double-stick tape. A force of approximately 3.5 gm can beapplied parallel to the skin surface and the skin displacement isaccurately measured. Skin suppleness can then be calculated and isexpressed as DSR (Dynamic Spring Rate in gm/mm).

Appearance of Lines and Wrinkles Assay with Replicas:

The appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin can be evaluated usingreplicas, which is the impression of the skin's surface. Silicone rubberlike material can be used. The replica can be analyzed by imageanalysis. Changes in the visibility of lines and wrinkles can beobjectively quantified via the taking of silicon replicas form thesubjects' face and analyzing the replicas image using a computer imageanalysis system. Replicas can be taken from the eye area and the neckarea, and photographed with a digital camera using a low angle incidencelighting. The digital images can be analyzed with an image processingprogram and of the replicas covered by wrinkles or fine lines wasdetermined.

Surface Contour of the Skin Assay with a Profilometer/Stylus Method:

The surface contour of the skin can be measured by using theprofilometer/Stylus method. This includes either shining a light ordragging a stylus across the replica surface. The vertical displacementof the stylus can be fed into a computer via a distance transducer, andafter scanning a fixed length of replica a cross-sectional analysis ofskin profile can be generated as a two-dimensional curve. This scan canbe repeated any number of times along a fix axis to generate a simulated3-D picture of the skin. Ten random sections of the replicas using thestylus technique can be obtained and combined to generate averagevalues. The values of interest include Ra which is the arithmetic meanof all roughness (height) values computed by integrating the profileheight relative to the mean profile height. Rt which is the maximumvertical distance between the highest peak and lowest trough, and Rzwhich is the mean peak amplitude minus the mean peak height. Values aregiven as a calibrated value in mm. Equipment should be standardizedprior to each use by scanning metal standards of know values. Ra Valuecan be computed by the following equation: R_(a)=Standardize roughness;l_(m)=the traverse (scan) length; and y=the absolute value of thelocation of the profile relative to the mean profile height (x-axis).

MELANODERM™ Assay:

In other non-limiting aspects, the efficacy of the compositions of thepresent invention can be evaluated by using a skin analog, such as, forexample, MELANODERM™. Melanocytes, one of the cells in the skin analog,stain positively when exposed to L-dihydroxyphenyl alanine (L-DOPA), aprecursor of melanin. The skin analog, MELANODERM™, can be treated witha variety of bases containing the compositions and whitening agents ofthe present invention or with the base alone as a control.Alternatively, an untreated sample of the skin analog can be used as acontrol.

ORAC Assay:

Oxygen Radical Absorption (or Absorbance) Capacity (ORAC) of thearomatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can also be assayed bymeasuring the antioxidant activity of such ingredients or compositions.This assay can quantify the degree and length of time it takes toinhibit the action of an oxidizing agent such as oxygen radicals thatare known to cause damage cells (e.g., skin cells). The ORAC value ofthe aromatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can be determinedby methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see U.S.Publication Nos. 2004/0109905 and 2005/0163880; Cao et al. (1993)), allof which are incorporated by reference). In summary, the assay describedin Cao et al. (1993) measures the ability of antioxidant compounds intest materials to inhibit the decline of B-phycoerythrm (B-PE)fluorescence that is induced by a peroxyl radical generator, AAPH.

All of the active ingredients, compositions, or methods disclosed andclaimed in this specification can be made and executed without undueexperimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the activeingredients, compositions, or methods of this invention have beendescribed in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparent tothose of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the activeingredients, compositions, or methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit and scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis inskin comprising topically applying to skin in need thereof a compositioncomprising Myrciaria cauliflora fruit pulp, wherein the compositionincreases hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin.
 22. The method of claim21, wherein the Myrciaria cauliflora fruit pulp is dried and in powderedform.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the composition is applied toa fine line or wrinkle.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein theMyrciaria cauliflora fruit pulp moisturizes the skin and increases theskin's elasticity.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the Myrciariacauliflora fruit pulp inhibits COX-1 and TNF-α activity in skin.
 26. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the composition is applied to erythemic orinflamed skin.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the compositionfurther includes: 25% to 35% by weight of water; at least 35% by weightof a silicone phase comprising cyclopentasiloxane, polysilicone-11,PEG-10 dimethicone, and dimethicone; and 3% to 7% by weight of silica.28. The method of claim 21, wherein the composition further includes 3%to 5% by weight of glycerin, 1 to 3% by weight of pentylene glycol, and1% to 3% by weight of caprylic/capric triglyceride.
 29. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the composition comprises from 0.01% to 20% by weightof Myrciaria cauliflora fruit pulp.
 30. The method of claim 21, whereinthe composition is a lotion, cream, serum, or emulsion.
 31. The methodof claim 21, wherein the composition does not include hyaluronic acid, acarboxymethyl cysteamine compound, and a rosehip extract.